Reading
I believe in a balanced literacy program. I really think that the combination of word study work, spelling, and the big five elements of reading (fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, phonics, and phonemic awareness) is the key to good reading instruction.
Every day, your child will participate in a 90-minute reading block of whole-class core instruction. This will be in our classroom and will include elements from several programs, resources, and methodologies. Not only will we do whole-class instruction, but we will do guided reading groups, based on individual student needs and learning styles.
Some of the things we'll implement into our Classroom Reading Time are:
Every day, your child will participate in a 90-minute reading block of whole-class core instruction. This will be in our classroom and will include elements from several programs, resources, and methodologies. Not only will we do whole-class instruction, but we will do guided reading groups, based on individual student needs and learning styles.
Some of the things we'll implement into our Classroom Reading Time are:
Reader's WorkshopReader's Workshop in our room includes a mini-lesson to introduce a specific skill, a time for students to practice in the whole-class setting, small groups, and individually, a time for students to work independently on the skill, and a time to come back as a group and share what we learned. Each mini-lesson is very specific and skill-based and as time goes on throughout the year, we will begin to stitch skills learned during reader's workshop together to help your students become good readers who love to read!
Book ClubsAn important part of how I run my reading program is my use of Book Clubs. I group students according to specific literacy needs and have them read a chapter book that focuses on those needs. Book Clubs are done in guided reading groups in the beginning of the year and become much more independent after Christmas break. Book Club reading assignments are given to students, as well as specific job responsibilities to be shared at our "Book Club" meetings. I'm sure you'll be excited to hear your student talk about his or her Book Club selection when we begin these meetings.
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The Daily FiveThe Daily Five is a reading program that I use several elements from, as well. There are five different parts of the program: Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, Word Work, and Work on Writing. Students learn how to read independently to themselves effectively. They practice partner-reading and listen to me read out loud. We also use Daily Five elements for our word study program and Writer's Workshop.
Tiered ReadingIn addition to the 90-minute reading block, your child will participate in a 30-minute Tier 2 time. This time will be even more individualized instruction for your student. Students are divided into five groups, based on skill-mastery for a specific standard. For students struggling with a certain skill, they will receive intense research-based instruction in the specific area they're needing assistance with. Students who have mastered the skill will receive some enrichment instruction to challenge them in the same skill area. This is the third year that we've added the Tier 2 element to our reading program and we have seen great results from this more individualized instruction.
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